Application window open for 2024 Rural Communities Grant

A total of $100,000 is available for community projects

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

Rural communities requiring financial support for local projects are encouraged to apply for a 2024 Rural Communities Grant from the United Farmers of Alberta’s (UFA) Agricultural Community Foundation.

Communities have until Aug. 31 to apply for an individual grant of at least $10,000. A total of $100,000 in grants is available.

“The $100,000 grant is divided among the top projects our judges believe best fit our mandate,” a UFA information page says. “If selected as a winner, you may receive the full amount or a portion of the funds available,”

The grants are available “for projects that support recreational, educational and cultural facilities and programs,” the application website says.

In 2023, for example, the Cotillion Butte Recreation Association in Bonanza, Alta., received $32,000 to support the community hall’s replacement.

And in 2020, the Castor and District Museum Society in Castor, Alta., used its $27,250 grant towards museum renovations.

That work included maintenance of an Alberta Pacific Grain elevator believed to be built in 1910 and one of the oldest in the province.

The grants aren’t only available to communities in Alberta.

The UFA has 34 Farm and Ranch supply stores and more than 100 petroleum locations spread out between Alberta, B.C. and Saskatchewan.

Communities within 200 km of a UFA location can apply for a grant.